Vietnam topped South Korea, 25-13, 25-13, 25-16, to end its Pool A campaign with a two-match winning streak Wednesday in the AVC Cup for Women at the Philsports Arena.
The Vietnamese turned to Nguyen Thi Uyen, who led the way with 13 points, including two blocks.
Vietnam still chalked up its third win in four games even without captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who sat out for this one to keep her fresh in the quarterfinals.
Five-time winner China remains on top of the Pool A table with a perfect 3-0 record.
Ly Thi Luyen had four blocks for a 10-point outing, while VI Thi Nhu Quynh chipped in nine points for the Vietnam.
Winless in three matches, the Koreans have one final shot to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
South Korea, which is parading high school students in the continental tournament, will face the Philippines in the final day of preliminaries at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The young Koreans hope to give the hosts a good fight as they try to capture a quarters’ berth.
“We’ve seen them play and they played well against the other team (China on Tuesday night). So our goal for tomorrow is to at least win against the Philippine team,” said South Korea captain Hwang Jimin through an interpreter.
“We have to focus on their wing players,” she added, referring to Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao and Jema Galanza.
Choi Hosun paced the Koreans with eight points, while Kim Seyul, fielded in the second and third set, contributed seven kills.
